Dynamic Speed Regulation and Performance Evaluation of a DC Motor using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Control
Keywords:
DC motor, Duty cycle, Energy efficiency, Pulse width modulation (PWM), Speed controlAbstract
This paper presents an experimental and analytical study of DC motor speed control using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). Direct Current (DC) motors are extensively employed in industrial and automation systems because they provide superior speed control and operational flexibility. As modern industries increasingly demand higher efficiency and reduced energy consumption, effective motor speed regulation has become a critical requirement for improving overall system performance. In this context, this research explores the speed control of a DC motor through the implementation of the PWM technique, which is widely recognised for its accuracy and efficiency in power control applications. PWM operates by adjusting the duty cycle of a switching signal; consequently, the average voltage supplied to the motor can be regulated without significant power loss. By varying the duty cycle, the motor receives different effective voltage levels, and therefore its rotational speed can be controlled precisely. In this study, the behaviour and performance of a DC motor are examined under multiple duty cycle conditions ranging from 20% to 100%, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between duty cycle variation and motor speed. Both experimental observations and simulation results indicate that the motor speed increases proportionally with the duty cycle, while the system continues to maintain efficient power utilisation and stable operation. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that PWM-based control not only enhances speed regulation accuracy but also improves energy efficiency and system reliability. Consequently, PWM emerges as a highly effective and flexible technique for DC motor speed control, making it particularly suitable for modern industrial and automation applications.
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